Isaiah 63:16

Doubtless thou art our Father— "Our only hope is the relation we have to thee, who hast vouchsafed to call thyself our Father; for it is in vain to boast that we are the children of Abraham or Jacob. They know not our condition, nor can they afford us any relief." Vitringa thinks that the words contain still further a renunciation of all merit in themselves and their fathers, and an entire confidence in the alone grace of God for deliverance and salvation. Pelican paraphrases it, "We place no confidence in the merits of our fathers, whosoever or whatsoever they were: but in thee alone, O Lord, who art our Father; our Redeemer from everlasting is thy name." See chap. Isaiah 64:8.